Capacitive sensing device
One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a capacitive sensing device. The capacitive sensing device comprises a substantially transparent substrate and a set of patterned conductive traces formed above the substantially transparent substrate. Each of the set of patterned conductive traces has a width such that the capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of the underlying image by the set of patterned conductive traces. The underlying image is separate from the capacitive sensing device. The capacitive sensing device is separate from active components used to comprise an information display device.
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This application claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/391,686 entitled “Touchscreen Thin Film Capacitive Sensor” by Bob Mackey, filed Jun. 25, 2002.
BACKGROUNDComputing devices have become integral tools used in a wide variety of different applications, such as in finance and commercial transactions, computer-aided design and manufacturing, health care, telecommunication, education, etc. Computing devices are finding new applications as a result of advances in hardware technology and rapid development in software technology. Furthermore, the functionality of a computing device is dramatically enhanced by coupling these types of stand-alone devices together in order to form a networking environment. Within a networking environment, computing device users may readily exchange files, share information stored on a common database, pool resources, and communicate via electronic mail (e-mail) and video teleconferencing.
Conventional computing devices provide several ways for enabling a user to input a choice or a selection. For example, a user can use one or more keys of an alphanumeric keyboard communicatively connected to the computing device in order to indicate a choice or selection. Additionally, a user can use a cursor control device communicatively connected to the computing device to indicate a choice. Also, a user can use a microphone communicatively connected to the computing device to audibly indicate a particular selection. Moreover, touch sensing technology can be used to provide an input selection to a computing device or other electronic device.
Within the broad category of touch sensing technology there exist capacitive sensing touch screens. Among commercially available capacitive sensing touch screens, there are different sensing technologies. For example, one sensing technology involves the use of a uniform resistive sheet as part of the capacitive sensing touch screen. However, there are disadvantages associated with this commercially available uniform resistive sheet sensing technology. For instance, one of the disadvantages is that when an image is shown through the uniform resistive sheet, the reduced transmittance due to the optically absorbing resistive sheet optically degrades the image. If the image is shown on a display, the display has to be operated at higher brightness to compensate, which requires more power and reduces battery life.
Another commercially available sensing technology involves using rolled out wires attached to glass as part of a capacitive sensing touch screen. However, there are also disadvantages associated with this commercially available sensing technology. For example, one of the disadvantages is that the wires of the capacitive sensing touch screen are very visible when a displayed image is viewed through it. As such, the wires can be distracting to a user. Another disadvantage is that the wires tend to reflect unwanted ambient light towards the user, thereby obscuring the display. Consequently, the degraded image due to the obscured display can be distracting to the user.
The present invention may address one or more of the above issues.
SUMMARYOne embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a capacitive sensing device. The capacitive sensing device comprises a substantially transparent substrate and a set of patterned conductive traces formed above the substantially transparent substrate. Each of the set of patterned conductive traces has a width such that the capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of the underlying image by the set of patterned conductive traces. The underlying image is separate from the capacitive sensing device. The capacitive sensing device is separate from active components used to comprise an information display device.
The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSReference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
The present embodiment provides a method for fabricating a capacitive sensing device. For example, a substantially transparent substrate (e.g., a glass, a plastic or a crystalline material) is utilized to fabricate the capacitive sensing device. A set of conductive traces is patterned above the substantially transparent substrate. Optionally, an insulating material can be deposited above the set of conductive traces. In one embodiment, the insulating material may act as protection for the set of conductive traces and also provide them electrical insulation from the outside world.
At operation 102 of
At operation 104, a set of conductive traces are patterned above the substantially transparent substrate. It is understood that the set of conductive traces may be implemented in diverse ways. For example, each of the set of conductive traces can have a width such that the capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of that underlying image by the set of conductive traces. It is appreciated that the underlying image is separate from the capacitive sensing device and may be displayed on an information display device. Furthermore, the underlying image is not a component of the capacitive sensing device. Additionally, the capacitive sensing device is fabricated separately from active components of an information display device.
The patterning of the set of conductive traces may be implemented in a wide variety of ways at operation 104. For example, the patterning of the set of conductive traces can include, but is not limited to, a lithographic process, a printing process, electron beam lithography, screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, electroplating, stamping, and LIGA. It is noted that LIGA is the German abbreviation for Llthogafie Galvanoformung Abformung which in English means lithographic :electrodeposition. Furthermore, the patterning of the set of conductive traces can include patterning a landing pad region above the substantially transparent substrate to enable coupling of one or more sensing circuit components to the substantially transparent substrate. For example, the landing pad region may include wiring for coupling integrated circuit (IC) chips, capacitors, resistors, connectors and other electronic components to the substantially transparent substrate. Additionally, to promote solderability, the landing pad region can be plated with gold, tin, copper or any other metal that is compatible with solder. Moreover, many processes can be used to assemble the capacitive sensing device with its circuit components. One example would be to screen print solder paste onto the appropriate wiring pads and then place the components. The assembly can then be heated to re-flow the solder, bonding the circuit components securely to the substantially transparent substrate.
At operation 104 of
Additionally, the set of conductive traces can be patterned such that each of the conductive traces has a width less than approximately 12 micrometers. It is noted that the width of each conductive trace can be understood to mean the width of each individual conductive element of the set of conductive traces. In this manner, when a user is approximately at arm's length from the capacitive sensing device, the user's eyes are substantially unable to view the set of conductive traces of the capacitive sensing device. It is understood that by decreasing the width of each trace of the set of conductive traces, there is a point at which they are no longer resolvable by a human eye. In this fashion, there is no deleterious obstruction of an underlying image by the set of conductive traces of the capacitive sensing device. Moreover, the set of conductive traces can be patterned at operation 104 such that each of them has a width that is substantially non-perceptible by a human user. Therefore, the set of conductive traces can be patterned such that each of them has a width such that each of them is not required to be formed of a substantially transparent material. Moreover, each of the set of conductive traces can have a width less than a pixel width of the underlying image. Also, each of the set of conductive traces can be a capacitive sensing element. It is noted that the set of conductive traces at operation 104 are not limited in any way to these different embodiments.
At operation 106, an insulating material is deposited above the set of conductive traces. It is noted that the insulating material deposited at operation 106 can act as protection (e.g., from handling damage) for the set of conductive traces and also provide them electrical insulation from the outside world. As such, the deposition of the insulating material at operation 106 may be an optional operation of flowchart 100. The deposition of the insulating material at operation 106 may be implemented in diverse ways. For example, at operation 106, a deposition of a dielectric layer (e.g., SiO2, Spin-On-Glass, and the like) can be used as the insulating material. It is appreciated that the insulating material at operation 106 may include a substantially transparent insulating material or an opaque insulating material. Additionally, the insulating material may be deposited at operation 106 to cover the entire set of conductive traces or it may be deposited to cover one or more portions of the set of conductive traces. At the completion of operation 106, the process exits flowchart 100.
The present embodiment provides a method for fabricating a capacitive sensing device that includes two sets of conductive traces. For example, a substantially transparent substrate (e.g., a glass, a plastic or a crystalline material) is utilized to fabricate the capacitive sensing device. A first set of conductive traces is patterned above the substantially transparent substrate. A first insulating material is deposited above the first set of conductive traces. Furthermore, a second set of conductive traces is patterned above and coupled to the substantially transparent substrate. Optionally, a second insulating material can be deposited above the second set of conductive traces. In one embodiment, the second insulating material may act as protection for the first and second sets of conductive traces and may also provide them electrical insulation from the outside world.
At operation 102 of
At operation 202, a first set of conductive traces are patterned above the substantially transparent substrate. It is understood that the first set of conductive traces may be implemented in diverse ways at operation 202. For example, the first set of conductive traces can be implemented in any manner similar to the set of conductive traces at operation 104, described herein.
At operation 204 of
At operation 206, a second set of conductive traces are patterned above and coupled to the substantially transparent substrate. It is understood that the second set of conductive traces may be implemented in diverse ways. For example, the second set of conductive traces can be implemented in any manner similar to the set of conductive traces at operation 104, described herein. Alternatively, the second set of conductive traces may provide local bridges that electrically couple traces of the first set of conductive traces as shown in
At operation 208 of
It is noted that any number of sets of conductive traces may be implemented in accordance with the present embodiment. For example, operations similar to operations 202 and/or 204 may be repeated as desired.
At operation 302, material is deposited in a desired pattern above a substrate. It is appreciated that the deposition of the material in the desired pattern at operation 302 may be implemented in diverse ways. For example, material can be deposited in the desired pattern at operation 302 in a manner commonly referred to as a printing process that is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, the deposited material may include diverse materials in accordance with the present embodiment. For example, the material may include, but is not limited to, a conductive material, a non-conductive material, an opaque material, a non-reflective material, an insulating material, a substantially transparent material and/or the like. The material at operation 302 may include one or more of the materials mentioned herein, but is not limited to such. Once operation 302 is completed, the process exits flowchart 300.
At operation 402, a layer of material is deposited above a substrate. Operation 402 is performed as needed, and need not be performed if the material to be etched at operation 410 is already present prior to patterning. The deposition of the material at operation 402 may be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, the deposition of the material at operation 402 can be implemented in any manner described herein, but is not limited to such. The layer of material at operation 402 may include a wide variety of materials. For example, the material can include, but is not limited to, any material described herein.
At operation 404 of
At operation 502, a layer of photoresist is deposited above a substrate. The deposition of the photoresist at operation 502 may be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, the deposition of the photoresist at operation 502 can be implemented in any manner described herein, but is not limited to such.
At operation 504 of
At operation 506, the photoresist is developed. At operation 508, a layer of material is deposited atop the photoresist. At operation 510, the photoresist is dissolved and lifted off. At operation 512, a cleaning process is then performed. It is noted that operations 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512 may each be implemented in a wide variety of ways that are well known by those of ordinary skill the art.
The present embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a capacitive sensing device. The capacitive sensing device includes a substantially transparent substrate having two metal layers which are separated by a substantially transparent insulating layer. Additionally, a second substantially transparent insulating layer can be optionally used in order to provide an abrasion resistance layer for the second metal layer and also provide them electrical insulation from the outside world. Each metal layer can be patterned to provide conductive traces that can be coupled to sensory circuitry (not shown) of a capacitive sensing device. Within the present embodiment, it is noted that there is typically no need for forming vias that couple one metal layer to the other. However, the first and second substantially transparent insulating layers are each patterned so that electrical contacts can be made to each of the metal layers.
At operation 602 of
At operation 604, a first metal layer is deposited above the substantially transparent substrate. It is understood that the deposition of the first metal layer can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, the deposition of the first metal layer can be implemented utilizing, but not limited to, a sputtering process, an electron beam evaporation process or a resistive evaporation process. It is noted that the first metal layer can include diverse materials. For instance, the first metal layer can include, but is not limited to, black chrome (e.g., chromium oxynitride), aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, and the like. Optionally, other materials and/or a plurality of layers may be incorporated as part of the first metal layer for processing or other reasons. For example, a titanium layer may be included as part of the first metal layer to be utilized as an etch stop when patterning a substantially transparent insulating layer, described below. Additionally, gold may be utilized when a liftoff process (e.g., flowchart 500) is used. Moreover, gold may be utilized as part of the formation of a landing pad for sensing circuitry. Furthermore, a metal may be disposed between two other metals in the first metal layer to prevent corrosion. Alternatively, the first metal layer can include at least one layer of substantially opaque material. Moreover, the first metal layer can be formed of at least one layer of material that is substantially non-reflective. By locating the substantially non-reflective material such that it faces a user of the capacitive sensing device, it optically obscures from the user any reflective materials included as part of the first metal layer that will eventually become conductive traces.
At operation 606 of
The patterning of the first metal layer at operation 606 forms a first set of conductive traces that are part of the capacitive sensing device. The first set of conductive traces may be implemented in diverse ways. For example, each of the first set of conductive traces can have a width such that the capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of that underlying image by these conductive traces. The underlying image is separate from the capacitive sensing device. Additionally, the capacitive sensing device is fabricated separately from active components of an information display device. The first set of conductive traces can also be patterned such that each of them has a width less than approximately 12 micrometers. Alternatively, the first set of conductive traces can be patterned such that each of them has a width that does not require them to be formed of a substantially transparent material. Each of the first set of conductive traces can also be implemented with a width less than a pixel width of the underlying image. Also, each of the first set of conductive traces can be a capacitive sensing element. The first set of conductive traces at operation 606 is not limited in any way to these embodiments.
At operation 608 of
At operation 610, a second metal layer is deposited above the first substantially transparent insulating layer and the substantially transparent substrate. It is understood that the deposition of the second metal layer can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, the deposition of the second metal layer can be implemented in any manner similar to that described herein with reference to the deposition at operation 604 of the first metal layer.
At operation 612 of
At operation 614, a second substantially transparent insulating material layer is deposited above the second set of conductive traces and the first substantially transparent insulating layer. It is noted that the second substantially transparent insulating layer can act as a protective layer for the second set of conductive traces. Additionally, the second substantially transparent insulating layer can provide the second set of conductive traces electrical insulation from the outside world. The deposition of the second substantially transparent insulating layer at operation 614 can be an optional operation. The deposition of the second substantially transparent insulating layer at operation 614 may be implemented in diverse ways. For example, the deposition of the second substantially transparent insulating layer can be implemented in any manner similar to that described herein with reference to the deposition at operation 608 of the first substantially transparent insulating layer.
At operation 616 of
Operation 616 can be an optional operation of flowchart 600. That is, if the first and second substantially transparent insulating layers can be deposited where it is desired, there is really no need to perform operation 616. For example, the first and second substantially transparent insulating layers can be deposited over the first and second set of conductive traces in such a manner as to leave exposed electrical contact pad areas of the first and second sets of conductive traces to enable coupling of test equipment and/or sensing circuitry of the capacitive sensing device.
At operation 618, if several capacitive sensing devices are being manufactured on a single substantially transparent substrate, the substantially transparent substrate can be cut to separate the capacitive sensing devices. It is appreciated that the cutting at operation 618 can be implemented in diverse ways. For example, a small rotary wheel can be used to roll across the substantially transparent substrate to scratch its surface to enable it to be broken or separated along the scratches. Alternatively, a laser can be used to move across the substantially transparent substrate to provide enough thermal expansion to cut it. However, either of these cutting techniques leaves a fairly square edge that can easily be chipped. As such, each of the cut edges (and others if desired) of the substantially transparent substrate can be edge ground at operation 618 in order to protect the edges of the capacitive sensing device from casual contact damage. The edge grind at operation 618 can be performed to create 45 degree bevels along the desired edges of the substantially transparent substrate. Furthermore, at operation 618, the dust created by the edge grinding can also be washed away. Once operation 618 is completed, the process exits flowchart 600. It is noted that operation 618 can be an optional operation of flowchart 600. For example, if a single capacitive sensing device is being manufactured on a single substantially transparent substrate, there may not be a need to perform operation 618.
Within the present embodiment, conductive traces 705 and 707 have been deposited and patterned above the substantially transparent substrate 703. It is noted that conductive traces 705 and 707 each includes three layers of material. Specifically, conductive traces 705 and 707 each includes a layer of black chrome 706, a layer of aluminum 708 and a layer of titanium 710. Additionally, substantially transparent insulating layer 702 has been deposited above conductive traces 705 and 707 and substantially transparent substrate 703.
Within
The substantially transparent insulating layer 704 of the capacitive sensing device 700 has been patterned to form an opening 722 above conductive trace 709. Moreover, substantially transparent insulating layers 704 and 702 have been patterned to form an opening 720 above conductive trace 707. As such, electrical contact may be made with metal layers 701 and 713. It is noted that openings 720 and 722 can be located on or near the perimeter of substantially transparent substrate 703. A user view 718 represents the direction from which users can view the capacitive sensing device 700. As such, an underlying image or an information display device (not shown) could be located behind the capacitive sensing device 700 facing the user view 718. In this manner, a user would be viewing the underlying image or information display device through capacitive sensing device 700. Within the present embodiment, capacitive sensing device 700 is separate from active components used to comprise the information display device.
Within
It is noted that user view 718 can be on the other side of capacitive sensing device 700. In response to this reposition, some change may be made to capacitive sensing device 700. For example, black chrome layers 706 and 712 would be patterned on the side closest to the repositioned user view 718. As such, titanium layers 710 and 716 can be excluded since the chromium could act as the etch stop depending on the type of etchant used on the substantially transparent insulating layers 702 and 704. Moreover, some chromium or tungsten may be deposited on the substantially transparent substrate to provide an adhesion layer for the aluminum layer 708.
Within
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A capacitive sensing device comprising:
- a substantially transparent substrate; and
- a first set of patterned conductive traces formed above said substantially transparent substrate, said first set of conductive traces comprising a plurality of layers, at least one of said plurality of layers comprising a material that is substantially non-reflective and optically absorbent, and at least another of said plurality of layers being a substantially opaque material, each of said first set of patterned conductive traces having a width such that said capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of said underlying image by said first set of patterned conductive traces, said underlying image is separate from said capacitive sensing device, wherein said capacitive sensing device is separate from active components used to comprise an information display device.
2. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, further comprising:
- a second set of patterned conductive traces formed and coupled to said substantially transparent substrate.
3. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 2, wherein each of said second set of patterned conductive traces has a width such that said capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of said underlying image by said second set of patterned conductive traces.
4. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 2, further comprising:
- an insulating material coupled between said first set of patterned conductive traces and said second set of patterned conductive traces.
5. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 4, wherein said insulating material is substantially transparent.
6. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, wherein each of said first set of patterned conductive traces has a width less than approximately 12 micrometers.
7. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, wherein each of said first set of patterned conductive traces has a width such that each of said first set of patterned conductive traces is not required to be formed of a substantially transparent material.
8. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, wherein each of said first set of patterned conductive traces has a width less than a width of a pixel of said underlying image.
9. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, wherein each of said first set of patterned conductive traces is a capacitive sensing element.
10. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, wherein said substantially transparent substrate is a component of said information display device.
11. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, wherein said substantially transparent substrate is selected from a group consisting of:
- a glass, a plastic, and a crystalline material.
12. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 2, wherein said second set of patterned conductive traces is formed of at least one layer of material that is substantially opaque.
13. The capacitive sensing device as described in 2, wherein said second set of patterned conductive traces is formed of at least one layer of material that is substantially non-reflective and optically absorbent.
14. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 1, further comprising:
- a landing pad region formed above said substantially transparent substrate for coupling a sensing circuit component to said substantially transparent substrate.
15. A method for fabricating a capacitive sensing device, said method comprising:
- utilizing a substantially transparent substrate; and
- patterning a first set of conductive traces above said substantially transparent substrate, said first set of conductive traces comprising a plurality of layers, at least the layer facing toward a user of the capacitive sensing device, of said plurality of layers, comprising a material that is substantially non-reflective and optically absorbent, and at least another of said plurality of layers comprising a substantially opaque material, each of said first set of conductive traces having a width such that said capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of said underlying image by said first set of conductive traces, said underlying image is separate from said capacitive sensing device, wherein said capacitive sensing device is fabricated separately from active components of an information display.
16. The method as described in claim 15, wherein said patterning said first set of conductive traces comprises a process selected from the group consisting of:
- a lithographic process, a printing process, electron beam lithography, screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, electroplating, stamping, and LIGA.
17. The method as described in claim 15, further comprising:
- patterning a second set of conductive traces above and coupled to said substantially transparent substrate.
18. The method as described in claim 17, wherein each of said second set of conductive traces has a width such that said capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to said underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of said underlying image by said second set of conductive traces.
19. The method as described in claim 17, wherein said patterning said second set of conductive traces comprises a process selected from the group consisting of:
- a lithographic process, a printing process, electron beam lithography, screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, electroplating, stamping, and LIGA.
20. The method as described in claim 17, wherein said first set of conductive traces and said second set of conductive traces are substantially orthogonal to each other.
21. The method as described in claim 17, wherein said second set of conductive traces comprises at least one layer of substantially opaque material.
22. The method as described in claim 17, further comprising:
- depositing an insulating material above at least a portion of said first set of conductive traces.
23. The method as described in claim 17, wherein said insulating material is substantially transparent.
24. The method as described in claim 17, wherein said second set of conductive traces is formed of at least one layer of material that is substantially non-reflective and optically absorbent.
25. The method as described in claim 17, wherein said patterning said second set of conductive traces comprises:
- patterning a landing pad region above said substantially transparent substrate for coupling a sensing circuit component to said substantially transparent substrate.
26. The method as described in claim 15, wherein said substantially transparent substrate is a component of said information display device.
27. The method as described in claim 15, wherein said substantially transparent substrate is selected from a group consisting of:
- a glass, a plastic, and a crystalline material.
28. The method as described in claim 15, wherein said patterning said first set of conductive traces comprises:
- patterning a landing pad region above said substantially transparent substrate for coupling a sensing circuit component to said substantially transparent substrate.
29. The method as described in claim 15, wherein each of said first set of conductive traces has a width less than approximately 12 micrometers.
30. The method as described in claim 15, wherein each of said first set of conductive traces has a width such that each of said first set of conductive traces is not required to be formed of a substantially transparent material.
31. The method as described in claim 15, wherein each of said first set of conductive traces has a width less than a pixel width of said underlying image.
32. The method as described in claim 15, wherein each of said first set of conductive traces is a capacitive sensing element.
33. A capacitive sensing device formed by a process comprising:
- utilizing a substantially transparent substrate; and
- using a first patterning process to generate a first plurality of conductive traces above said substantially transparent substrate, said first set of conductive traces comprising a plurality of layers, at least the layer facing toward a user of the capacitive sensing device, of said plurality of layers, comprising a material that is substantially non-reflective and optically absorbent, and at least another of said plurality of layers comprising a substantially opaque material, said first patterning process generating each of said first plurality of conductive traces having a width such that said capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to an underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of said underlying image by said first plurality of conductive traces, said underlying image is separate from said capacitive sensing device, wherein said capacitive sensing device is formed separately from active components of an information display.
34. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein said first patterning process is selected from the group consisting of:
- a lithographic process, a printing process, electron beam lithography, screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, electroplating, stamping, and LIGA.
35. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, further comprising:
- using a second patterning process to generate a second plurality of conductive traces above and coupled to said substantially transparent substrate.
36. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 35, wherein said second patterning process generates each of said second plurality of conductive traces has a width such that said capacitive sensing device does not have to be arranged with respect to said underlying image in order to avoid deleterious obstruction of said underlying image by said second plurality of conductive traces.
37. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 35, wherein said first patterning process and said second patterning process are each selected from the group consisting of:
- a lithographic process, a printing process, electron beam lithography, screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, electroplating, stamping, and LIGA.
38. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 35, wherein said first plurality of conductive traces and said second plurality of conductive traces are substantially orthogonal to each other.
39. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 35, wherein said second plurality of conductive traces comprises at least one layer of substantially opaque material.
40. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 35, wherein said second plurality of conductive traces is formed of at least one layer of material that is substantially non-reflective and optically absorbent.
41. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, further comprising:
- depositing an insulating material above at least a portion of said first plurality of conductive traces.
42. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 41, wherein said insulating material is substantially transparent.
43. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein said substantially transparent substrate is a component of said information display device.
44. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein said substantially transparent substrate is selected from a group consisting of:
- a glass, a plastic, and a crystalline material.
45. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, further comprising:
- generating a landing pad region above said substantially transparent substrate for coupling a sensing circuit component to said substantially transparent substrate.
46. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 45, wherein said generating said landing pad region is performed during said first patterning process or said second patterning process.
47. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein each of said first plurality of conductive traces has a width less than approximately 12 micrometers.
48. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein each of said first plurality of conductive traces has a width such that each of said first plurality of conductive traces is not required to be formed of a substantially transparent material.
49. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein each of said first plurality of conductive traces has a width less than a pixel width of said underlying image.
50. The capacitive sensing device as described in claim 33, wherein each of said first plurality of conductive traces is a capacitive sensing element.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 3, 2003
Date of Patent: Dec 9, 2008
Patent Publication Number: 20030234770
Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated (San Jose, CA)
Inventor: Bob Lee Mackey (San Jose, CA)
Primary Examiner: Regina Liang
Application Number: 10/407,696
International Classification: G09G 5/00 (20060101);